Nominated as the European Commission’s new Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera will be responsible for guiding Europe towards its ambitious climate objectives, primarily those set by the Green Deal, which aims to make the EU carbon-neutral by 2050. Ribera steps into this position with the momentum of Spain’s growing influence on EU environmental policy, reflecting the bloc’s increasing focus on linking economic competitiveness with climate action. She inherits the legacy of Frans Timmermans, who laid a strong foundation with significant initiatives like the Just Transition Fund and the expansion of the EU Emissions Trading System. Ribera will continue this work but faces several challenges, including political opposition, balancing ambitious environmental goals with industrial policies, and ensuring collaboration with other commissioners, such as Stéphane Séjourné, to craft an industrial strategy that aligns with the EU’s climate goals.
From 2019 to 2024
The European Commission, under Ursula von der Leyen and driven by the key influence of Frans Timmermans, made substantial strides in climate policy between 2019 and 2024. A major milestone was the launch of the European Green Deal in December 2019, designed to make Europe the first carbon-neutral continent by 2050. This policy framework included legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, which is now enshrined in the European Climate Law passed in 2021. The law not only set the legal basis for the 2030 emissions targets but also provided a roadmap for achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Among the major achievements were the establishment of the Just Transition Fund, designed to help regions and workers heavily reliant on fossil fuels transition to sustainable industries. With €55 billion mobilized between 2021 and 2027, the fund is a critical tool in ensuring that social fairness accompanies Europe’s green shift. Another significant development was the adoption of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in 2023. This innovative policy seeks to prevent carbon leakage by imposing tariffs on imports from countries with lower environmental standards, ensuring a level playing field for EU businesses and encouraging global industries to adopt greener practices. Timmermans expanded the Emissions Trading System to include maritime and aviation sectors, increasing the cost of emissions for these industries and driving investments in cleaner technologies. The ETS reforms, part of the “Fit for 55” package, are integral to reaching the 2030 emissions reduction goals. Finally, the Farm to Fork Strategy was introduced to promote sustainable food systems by advocating for reduced pesticide and antibiotic use and supporting organic agriculture, aligning agricultural practices with the broader environmental objectives of the Green Deal.
New Portfolio: A win for Spain
Teresa Ribera’s appointment as the new Executive Vice-President is a significant achievement for Spain, reflecting its increasing influence in EU environmental and energy policy. Ribera’s prior experience as Spain’s Minister for Ecological Transition, where she led the closure of coal plants and ensured Spain’s commitment to climate neutrality by 2050, has well-prepared her for this crucial EU role. Her leadership during Spain’s presidency of the EU Council in 2022 demonstrated her diplomatic skills and strategic vision, earning her recognition in Brussels. As Executive Vice-President, Ribera will be at the forefront of integrating Europe’s environmental objectives with economic competitiveness, positioning her as a key figure within the European Commission. In her new role, Ribera will oversee several vital areas, including climate policies, competition, and industrial strategy. Her responsibilities include advancing the Green Deal’s targets to ensure Europe remains on track to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. She will also be responsible for regulating mergers and acquisitions, ensuring fair competition in the EU market, and monitoring state aid policies to foster innovation and competitiveness. A particular focus will be placed on addressing market concentration in the digital industries, ensuring that innovation in these sectors aligns with the EU’s broader climate goals.
Balancing green ambitions with economic and political realities
Teresa Ribera’s new position comes with significant challenges, particularly in light of the political shifts within the European Parliament. The rise of conservative and far-right representation poses a potential obstacle to the passage of progressive environmental legislation, including initiatives such as the deforestation regulation, which has faced criticism for its perceived administrative burden on businesses. Ribera is expected to encounter resistance from sectors such as agriculture and heavy industry, where stakeholders argue that stringent climate measures may impose excessive economic costs. In terms of energy policy, Ribera has historically maintained an anti-nuclear stance. Her role as the Executive Vice-President may require her to adopt a more pragmatic approach, especially given that several EU countries, such as France and Poland, view nuclear power as essential for a balanced and secure energy transition. Managing the inclusion of nuclear energy within a broader renewable energy strategy will require careful negotiation and diplomacy. The goal will be to ensure that Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels remains inclusive and feasible across all Member States, while addressing energy security concerns, especially in the context of rising geopolitical tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ribera’s role also encompasses competition policy, where she will need to address the fragmented telecom and tech sectors within the EU. European companies in these sectors often struggle to compete globally under strict regulatory frameworks, and Ribera may need to consider relaxing some competition rules to boost European competitiveness while maintaining a vigilant approach towards anti-competitive practices from large multinational tech firms. This challenge is closely tied to the broader goal of fostering a more innovation-driven EU economy, which remains competitive on the global stage without sacrificing the environmental objectives of the Green Deal.
Ultimately, Teresa Ribera’s success in this new role will depend heavily on her ability to work effectively with other key figures in the Commission, particularly Ursula von der Leyen and Stéphane Séjourné. Collaboration with Séjourné will be crucial, as their portfolios overlap in areas such as industrial strategy and environmental objectives. Potential differences in views on issues like nuclear energy and regulatory approaches may complicate their cooperation.